There is nothing like a fresh start. I hung my new 2009 calendar a couple of days ago (couldn't wait to replace my 2008 American folk art with 2009 antique maps), and I finally got a new journal today (last week I still had a bunch of pages left but I just could not wait to close the cover on 2008! No more!). Ever since I got back home after Christmas, I've just wanted to clean and organize and throw things away.
A new calendar (January 2009 is 1945 Manhattan!). A new planner (black moleskin with an elastic band). A new journal (embossed leather with gilded gold on the binding and a magnetic flap and a red ribbon bookmark). A new start. A clean slate.
A few of my friends have annual themes--Stayin' Alive in 2005, Almost Heaven in 2007, Looking Great in '08, Lose weight in '08, Looking Fine in '09, Divine '09, No Limits in '09 (although that was on ESPN last night and was somehow associated with the daredevil motorcycle jumps in Las Vegas that my friends were completely enthralled with). The only theme I can think of for me this year has to do with new. It's the New Me. A New Start. New Adventures. A New Heart. Come Let Me Anew.
And one of my most favorite random hymns has been running through my head (why is that I've been all about music lately?!)
Come let us anew our journey pursue
Roll round with the year,
And never stand still till the Master appear.
His adorable will let us gladly fulfill,
And our talents improve
By the patience of hope and the labor of love.
Don't get me wrong. I'm not shutting the door. 2008 made me. It was tough and it tore me up a bit and left a little road rash. Marathons and doctoral exams and family weddings and new baby nephews and broken hearts will do that. I've stretched and I've pulled, I've twisted and turned, I've grown and I've run and I've sat and I've thought and I've cried and laughed and slept and not slept. I've soaked in the sun and I've shivered in the wind. I've talked and read and studied and performed. I've smiled and hugged and kissed and loved. I've expanded beyond myself. I've felt magnified and sustained and guided. I've seen tender mercies all around me.
I wouldn't trade that for the world. Not for anything.
But the New 2009 Me is building on the 2008 Me. And by the patience of hope and the labor of love, I can't wait to see what happens.
8 comments:
Ah, friend...how I love you.
And I think my new favorite line is: "His adorable will"...why have I not noticed that? i'm going to have to ponder on it a bit.
'09....bring it on!
CUTE picture JR!
This is your year... I just know it. It's yours baby!
Such a great picture of you! I'm ecstatic for this year!
I would love to see 2009 you in person! How much longer are you around?
I'm impressed by your resilience Jenny!
that is a gorgeous picture of you! this is going to be a fabulous year! i hope i get to see you at least once in 2009. :)
Happy New Year, sweet Jenny. I love your insights. Thanks for lifting so many. I've watched you through your struggles and am grateful for your inspiring thoughts. I'll miss being your VT--can we still hang out?
I just stumbled on Tender Mercies last night and am having a ball "reconnecting" with my old Harlem friend. What a life you lead. My 2009 be a better, brighter, harder, more hopeful year for you. And may it include a trip to San Diego!
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